The Gospel, Sexuality, and the Complexity of Scripture

The Gospel, Sexuality, and the Complexity of Scripture
As Christians, we believe that the Bible is the ultimate authority on all matters, including sexuality. In recent years, there has been a growing conversation about sexuality and gender identity, and it can be challenging to navigate this topic as a Christian. However, we must approach this conversation with a theological and relational posture that reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
In this article, we will explore the main themes of the Gospel and sexuality series at NewsStory Church, as discussed by Pastor Tom and guest speaker Dr. Greg Coles. We will delve deeper into each theme, using verbatim quotes from the transcript, and analyze the implications and potential impact of these themes.

Three Grounding Principles
Before we dive into the main themes, it's essential to review the three grounding principles that Pastor Tom outlined in the first service. The first principle is that this series is PG-13, and some of the topics discussed are mature. Parents should exercise discretion when deciding whether to engage their children in these conversations. The second principle is that the church holds a traditional, historic, orthodox, and classical view of sexuality, which is grounded in a literal, historical, and biblical hermeneutic. Finally, the church's relational posture is one of reckless love and scandalous grace, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

The Main Themes

Theme 1: The Goodness of Sexuality
The first theme of the series is the goodness of sexuality. Dr. Greg Coles emphasized that sexuality is a gift from God and that it reflects God's character. He said, "Sexuality is a good thing because it's a reflection of God's goodness and creativity." However, he also acknowledged that sexuality can be challenging to navigate because of sin and brokenness.

Theme 2: The Brokenness of Sexuality
The second theme of the series is the brokenness of sexuality. Pastor Tom highlighted that we live in a fallen world, and as a result, our sexuality is also broken. He said, "We are all broken sexually, and we need healing and redemption." Dr. Greg Coles added that brokenness is not just about sexual sin but also about the harm that has been done to individuals and communities because of their sexuality.

Theme 3: The Gospel and Sexuality
The third theme of the series is the Gospel and sexuality. Pastor Tom emphasized that the Gospel is the ultimate solution to our brokenness. He said, "The Gospel is not just about forgiveness of sin, but it's also about healing and transformation." Dr. Greg Coles added that the Gospel is not just for heterosexuals but also for those who identify as LGBTQ+. He said, "The Gospel is for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

Theme 4: The Church and Sexuality
The fourth theme of the series is the Church and sexuality. Dr. Greg Coles emphasized that the Church should be a safe and welcoming place for everyone. He said, "The Church should be a place where people can come and be honest about their struggles and find healing and hope." Pastor Tom added that the Church should also be a place where people can find community and support.

Theme 5: The Intersection of Faith, Sexuality, and Vocation
The fifth and final theme of the series is the intersection of faith, sexuality, and vocation. Dr. Greg Coles highlighted that there is often a tension between faith and sexuality, especially for those who identify as LGBTQ+. He said, "For many people, their faith and sexuality seem to be at odds with each other." However, he also emphasized that it is possible to reconcile faith, sexuality, and vocation and that the Church should be a place where this reconciliation can happen.

The Complexity of Scripture
As Dr. Greg Coles journeyed through Scripture and explored the question of same-sex sexual ethics, he found that the conversation was much more complicated than many well-meaning people in his life made it seem. He acknowledged that the conversation about same-sex sexuality was complicated, and that it seemed to him that there was still a best answer in the text, that there was still a truth that deserved to be pursued. However, he also recognized the complexity of the conversation and the need to honor it.
Dr. Greg Coles shared his own story and emphasized that his experience cannot be neatly mapped onto the experience of every other person who is gay or same-sex attracted and seeking to follow Jesus. He said, "The single story creates stereotypes. And the problem with stereotypes is not that they're untrue, but that they're incomplete because they take one story and make it the only story." He encouraged listeners to consider their own obedience to Jesus and how the Gospel turns out to be remarkably the same good news for all of us.
Dr. Greg Coles also spoke about the complexity of celibacy for gay Christians. He said, "The road of celibacy for the gay Christian remains a distinctly complex calling to not only resist sexual urges, but to try to banish the thought of ever fulfilling them. To have no daydreams of a future romance, no wistful marriage plans, to feel like the very core of your sexual desire and the faith you hold most dear are at odds with one another. There are sufferings far worse than this, but there is none quite the same."
He acknowledged that the call to celibacy for gay Christians is not an easy one, but it can serve as a reminder of the sacrifice that Christ made for us. He said, "Maybe the calling to gay Christian celibacy stands in 21st century America as a precious reminder of just how desperately, helplessly devoted we were meant to be to the cross of Christ, a reminder that every sacrifice we make will pale in comparison to the sacrifice made on our behalf. Maybe the problem isn't that faith costs some of us too much, but that it costs all of us too little."

Implications and Potential Impact
The implications and potential impact of these themes are significant. First, by acknowledging the goodness of sexuality, we can celebrate and honor God's gift while also recognizing the challenges that come with it. Second, by acknowledging the brokenness of sexuality, we can come to terms with our own brokenness and seek healing and redemption. Third, by embracing the Gospel, we can find ultimate healing and transformation. Fourth, by creating a safe and welcoming Church, we can provide a space for people to find community, support, and healing. Finally, by reconciling faith, sexuality, and vocation, we can create a more inclusive and loving Church that reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
It is important to note that the verbatim quotes from the transcript reveal the complexity of Scripture and the need to honor the conversation about same-sex sexuality. Dr. Greg Coles' story highlights the importance of listening to and valuing the experiences of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Dr. Greg Coles also spoke about the need for Christians to recognize the cost of following Jesus. He said, "If following Jesus doesn't cost you something, you might want to reconsider whether it's actually Jesus that you're following." He encouraged listeners to make room in their hearts for Jesus and to be willing to make sacrifices for their faith.